Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's features savory Italian sausage, smoky bacon, red onions, and green peppers atop a hand-tossed crust, all covered with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, delivering a hearty and flavorful pizza experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle (for sauce)
- Baking tray (if not using a stone/oven deck)
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 hand-tossed pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced green bell peppers
Ensure the Italian sausage and bacon are fully cooked before adding them to the pizza to prevent sogginess and achieve optimal flavor. Use fresh red onions and green bell peppers for a crisp texture that balances the richness of the cheeses and meats. Measure the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses accurately to maintain the creamy and melty consistency characteristic of Cowboy Pizza. Your pizza crust should be hand-tossed and properly prepped to create a sturdy base that holds all the hearty toppings without becoming soggy. Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu perfectly captures the savory combination of smoky bacon, Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and blended cheeses on a hand-tossed crust for an authentic homemade experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a baking tray or pizza peel dusted with flour/cornmeal.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough using a ladle.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add cooked Italian sausage and bacon pieces evenly.
- Distribute sliced red onions and green bell peppers on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over all toppings.
- Slide pizza into oven using pizza peel or place baking tray in oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese melted.
- Remove pizza from oven.
- Slice with pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu offers a customizable base where you can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a leaner option. If you don't have green bell peppers, try using poblano peppers or jalapenos for a spicier kick that complements the smoky bacon. Your cheese blend can be adjusted by mixing provolone or gouda with mozzarella to tweak the flavor profile while maintaining the gooey texture. When working without a pizza stone, use a baking tray preheated in the pizza oven to crisp the crust evenly. Red onions can be swapped with shallots or sweet white onions if you prefer a milder, sweeter aroma on your pizza.
Tips
Ensure your pizza oven reaches the full 475degF (245degC) before baking to achieve a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Dusting your pizza peel or baking tray with flour or cornmeal prevents the dough from sticking during transfer. Evenly spreading the pizza sauce and distributing toppings like Italian sausage, bacon, red onions, and green peppers ensures consistent flavor in every bite. Use a sharp pizza cutter for clean slices, making it easier for you to serve and enjoy your Cowboy Pizza hot.
Nutritions
Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's offers a rich source of protein primarily from Italian sausage and smoky bacon, supporting muscle repair and growth. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health. Green peppers and red onions contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and immune support. When you enjoy this pizza, it's important to consider portion size due to its calorie and sodium content, which can be relatively high in processed meats and cheeses.
Storage
Store leftover Cowboy Pizza in an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth and keep your pizza flavorful for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor profile. Substitute green bell peppers with roasted poblano peppers to add a smoky, mild heat. Use a blend of smoked gouda and mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a creamier, slightly smoky cheese topping. For a crispier crust, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings and baking fully.
Allergies
Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and pork from Italian sausage and bacon, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The pizza crust may also contain wheat gluten, posing a risk to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Your awareness of these ingredients is crucial if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
Cowboy Pizza from Papa Murphy's restaurant offers a bold combination of hearty toppings like seasoned beef, smoky bacon, red onions, mushrooms, and zesty barbecue sauce on a crispy, thin crust. Its rich flavor profile satisfies cravings for a savory and indulgent meal, making it a popular choice among pizza lovers. You can recreate this iconic pizza at home with fresh ingredients, providing a cost-effective and customizable dining experience. Making the copycat version allows you to enjoy the same authentic taste while experimenting with your preferred toppings.